Laboratory furniture is different compared to the typical furniture that we see in homes, schools and offices. The reason for this is that laboratories are dynamic environments. And because of this all laboratory furniture should be primed and ready for the many changes in the laboratory, the fast turn-over of equipment and instrumentation, the fast movement of personnel and their research activities.

The location of the fume hood with respect to open windows, doorways, and personnel traffic directly influences the containment ability of the hood. The placement of the fume hoods, air supply diffusers, pedestrian walkways, etc. should encourage horizontal, laminar flow of supply air into the hood. The following chart below lists common architectural features in a laboratory and their recommended distance from fume hoods.